3rd Mudman race draws 1,600 people to Kimball

Xavier Pahl 12, throws water on his face, after his first participation Saturday at the Mudman run in Kimball. The course had many obstacles and many heats for participants to get plenty of mud on their faces and bodies.
(Photo:
William Camargo, wcamargo@stcloudtimes.com
)

Kimball fun run drew thousands to Powder Ridge Ski Area
St. Cloud Times

KIMBALL – Thousands threw caution and cleanliness to the wind to take part in the third annual Mudman race Saturday at Powder Ridge Ski Area.

About 1,600 participants traversed the grounds in hopes of attaining mud-soaked success. The 5-kilometer course was laden with obstacles aimed at making sure people were pushed physically and mentally.

"This is year number three and it's better than ever," organizer Bill Corcoran said. "We rearranged the course a little bit and then we added some obstacles. We really wanted to try and make it a little more difficult."

As people slogged through mud and huffed heartily through the rest of the course, it seemed Corcoran's goal was achieved.

"It was a little more difficult than last year, but other than that it went well," said Jacob Cameron of Little Falls. "I wasn't in as good of shape, I guess."

The day also featured music, food and entertainment, making it the perfect way to kick-start the weekend for some.

"This is my third year doing it," said Nicholas Daniel, 17, of Eagan. "It's entertaining. It's something to do on a Saturday."

Kayla Daniel, Nicholas' 12-year-old sister, was covered in mud before setting foot on the course.

"That was from my brother and everyone else who decided that I should be muddy," she said. "I didn't want to get muddy before (the race)."

Getting dirty was expected at the race, but the heat was a bit of a surprise for some as temperatures reached the mid-80s. Corcoran said one of his main concerns was how participants handled the warmer weather.

"We strategically make sure that our participants are in water of some kind or sprayed with it ... throughout the course and that helps them out," he said. "We have two water stops on a 5-kilometer course, which is pretty heavy."

Even with the heat, or maybe because of it, participants seemed to pull together when times got tough. Strangers couldn't help but check in on struggling racers and choruses of "good job" and "you can do it" rang throughout each heat.

Corcoran was excited to see so many people support the event and each other.

"It's a real blessing," he said. "Our goal was to create an annual event that really just grows with the community, with Central Minnesota. It's just a lot of fun."

Follow Ben Katzer on Twitter @BigKat0.

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Xavier Pahl, 12, throws water on his face Saturday after his first participation at the Mudman race in Kimball. The course had many obstacles and many heats for participants to get plenty of mud on their faces and bodies. William Camargo, wcamargo@stcloudtimes.com